State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 13 Jun 2025

Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture Meet 2025

Why in News? 

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying organized the “Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture Meet 2025,” focusing on the development of inland fisheries and aquaculture in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points 

• Inauguration of Key Fisheries Projects under PMMSY: 
  • The Union Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for major fisheries projects under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). 
  • The Minister launched the Reservoir Fisheries Cluster at Halali Dam and laid the foundation for various PMMSY-supported initiatives aimed at enhancing aquaculture infrastructure, boosting fish production, and generating livelihoods in inland regions. 
• Support to Beneficiaries and Technological Integration: 
  • The Minister distributed certificates to a range of beneficiaries including fisheries cooperatives, Fish Farmers Producers Organisations (FFPOs), and fisheries start-ups. 
  • Fishers received Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) and aquaculture insurance, targeting marginalized communities with integrated digital access and focused insurance coverage. 
• Growth of Inland Fisheries Since 2015 
  • Since 2015, the Government invested Rs 38,572 crore under various flagship schemes to strengthen the fisheries sector. 
  • As a result, India’s fish production grew by 104%, rising from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 195 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. 
  • Inland fisheries and aquaculture contributed over 75% of this output, growing by 140% to reach 147.37 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. 
  • This sector enables year-round production, efficient resource use, and transforms underutilised land into income-generating assets, supporting livelihoods of rural and small-scale farmers. 
• Technology-Driven Growth and Innovation: 
  • Under PMMSY and Blue Revolution, the Government approved 45,000 inland units boosting productivity by up to 20 times. 
  • A pilot initiative with ICAR-CIFRI (Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute) was also launched to explore the use of drones for fish transport, monitoring, and sustainable fisheries management. 
• State of India’s Fisheries Sector:  
  • India is the 3rd largest fish producer and 2nd largest aquaculture nation in the world after China.  
  • India ranks 4th globally in fish exports, contributing 7.7% to global fish production.  
    • Inland fisheries account for over 75% of total output.  
  • Top fish-producing states: Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka. 

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) 

• About:  
  • The Department of Fisheries is implementing the PMMSY, a scheme aimed at ushering in a Blue Revolution through the sustainable and responsible development of India's fisheries sector.   
    • It focuses on the comprehensive growth of the sector while ensuring the welfare of fishers.  
  • PMMSY is being implemented in all the States and Union Territories for a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.  
• Objective:  
  • PMMSY addresses gaps in fish production, productivity, quality, and post-harvest infrastructure, modernizing the value chain while ensuring fishers’ socio-economic welfare. 

Blue Revolution 

• The Blue Revolution refers to the integrated and sustainable development of the fisheries sector to boost fish production and productivity through inland, marine fisheries, and aquaculture. 
• The Government restructured all ongoing fisheries schemes into a single umbrella programme called “Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries.” 
• Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the scheme ensures targeted support across the sector. 
• Objectives: 
  • Boost fish production sustainably and responsibly. 
  • Modernize the sector by adopting new technologies. 
  • Ensure food and nutritional security. 
  • Generate employment opportunities and boost exports. 
  • Promote inclusive growth and empower fishers and fish farmers.